Japan Created an Ocean Turbine to Harness Eternal Ocean Power

To source theoretically limitless renewable energy, Japan is dropping a gigantic 330-ton turbine generator into the ocean.

It’s been more than 10 years that Japanese Corporation IHI has been working on sea turbines, to harness the power of ocean currents. They are calling this turbine Kairyu.

IHI Corporation collaborated with NEDO to achieve the first milestone of this project. Though it looks like an underwater jet, this 100kW and 330-ton tidal power plant carries a 66-foot central cylinder, with 2 extra on either side and has 36-foot turbine blades. Each turbine cylinder is equipped with a generator, control mechanism, and measuring system corresponding to its 36-foot blade. Through a series of cables, all of the machine's energy is sent to the country's power grid.

Under the sea level, the Kairyu system will be installed on Japan's eastern coast. Once the anchor lines and power cable are attached to the turbine, it will begin generating power through the water current.

This whole project is a challenge in itself, for example, underwater installation, placement of turbines at the perfect location, etc. another challenge for the company is cost-effectiveness because alternative options like wind and solar are comparatively affordable.

There is a dire need for not just awareness, but also alternative clean green energy sources, as the impact of global warming is evident more than ever.